Full page advertA WORLD-LEADING CONFERENCE VENUE IN BRITAIN'S FRIENDLIEST CITY.The SECC is one of the world's favourite venues. Conference organisers and delegates love our breathtaking architecture, award-winning facilities and the unrivalled professional service provided by our team. But we also haveto thank our location in Glasgow, the UK's friendliest city. We're a proud part of our community - contributing £400 million to the local economy and another £247 million to the rest of Scotland last year alone. It's a story of impressive success. Success which your next conference could share.For more information, contact Robin Miller, Head of Conference Sales - robin.miller@secc.co.uk T: +44(0)141 275 6211.COMEAND SEE USATINTERNATIONAL CONFEX (06 - 08 MARCH 2012)AT THEVISIT SCOTLAND STAND - B520WWW.SECC.CO.UK22,000M² OF EXHIBITION SPACE.EASY ACCESS. TOP HOTELS.SUPERB TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS.

CONTENTSMarch 2012 . www.conference-news.co.uk . 5 Contents45 Go West What does Bristol and Bath offer event planners?30 New kids on the block Our pick of new and refurbished meeting hotels across the UK.16 Big Interview ICC Birmingham's new GM, Paul Rutherford, talks about his goals for the venue. Features21 HBAA Forum Part 2 of our coverage of the CN/HBAA Winter Forum.24 CTC Forum What are buyers perceptions of Canada as a meeting destination?27 EMEC review All the news from MPI's EMEC conference in Budapest.36 Londonderry We focus on the fi rst ever UK City of Culture 2013.40 City focus: York 23 reasons to bring your event to the city of York.49 Croydon The future is looking bright for the London town of Croydon.53 Hospitality What are the current trends in the hospitality industry? 57 Economy How will the future economy affect our industry? Regulars7 Editor's Note It's showtime8 News Crisis talks at TMP, new CEO at Ally Pally and MICE members club launch.14 Livewire What's buzzing in the business.34 Venue showcase A year in business at Senate House.64 People Tracking the latest appointments and promotions.67 Business £10m UBM sell off and new COO at Kenes Group.69 Have Your Say The time for hybrid events is now plus top Tweets.70 Gallery A round up of this month's colourful events.74 Breakout Food for thought: what should we be feeding delegates at our conferences? Contributors61 Richard John Our consultant goes back to school this month. 69 Rob Davidson Our lecturer puts the conference industry's integrity to the test.